3 popular questions about menopause

Q: WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?
A: Menopause, often referred to as "the change of life," is the natural transition out of childbearing years. Menopause in women is the reverse of puberty.
Q: WHEN DOES MENOPAUSE USUALLY BEGIN?
A: Menopause symptoms like hot flashes and irregular menstrual cycles can begin for women in their late 30s or early 40s during the perimenopause phase of a woman's life. Natural menopause is typically complete in the late 40s or early 50s.
Q: WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE?
A: Perimenopause is the phase before menopause when ovarian hormone production begins to decline and fluctuate. Typically, perimenopause is the period about three or four years before menopause, though some women can begin the perimenopause phase of their life many years before menopause.